Secrets to surviving vet school

Dear class of 2024,
Vet school is going to be tough! Think about how hard it was just to get in. Some say it is even harder than getting accepted to medical school. And we can tell you from experience, it is uphill from here on out :-)

Use your library!

Before you go out and spend money on books, check some out in person or online and figure out which ones you prefer! Some people prefer one veterinary physiology textbooks over another so just finding the one that works best for you is great and will really help your learning in the long run. There are also Facebook Groups that post free versions of textbooks- definitely check those out!

Go on the extra-curricular trips

Whenever there is an extra hands-on opportunity that interests you – sign up! You will never regret having more hands-on experience! It is also a great way to get to know the faculty member offering the opportunity also, so you can pick their brain and learn so much from them, as well as getting to know them on a personal basis as well.

You don’t have to do it alone

Study in groups! Talking through material and concepts with others is extremely helpful! This allows you to reinforce what you already know, and clear up questions about topics that another classmate may have a better grasp on. This way everyone can come to a consensus using resources to confirm what your learning and everyone benefits from working together. Remember vet school is a marathon, not a sprint!

Be-friend your upperclassmen!

They have gone through everything you are about to experience so being able to ask them questions and get to know your upper classmen is a huge benefit! A lot of universities will have a “Big-Sib, Little-Sib” program where as an incoming first year you get paired with a second year that is your first student contact over the summer!

Take it one day at a time!

It’s a huge challenge to get used to life as a veterinary student. It is completely different than any undergraduate program that you came from. It also might be hard for friends and family to understand the gravity of this type of program because they haven’t experienced it, so understanding on both sides and communicating your needs is essential. Remember every classmate is going through the same transition so help each other! Success is so much easier when you help each other.